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Panasonic HC-VX870 vs Sony FDR-AX53

    2.56 in
    2.87 in
    Panasonic HC-VX870 Camcorder
    Panasonic HC-VX870
      2.87 in
      3.17 in
      Sony FDR-AX53 Camcorder
      Sony FDR-AX53
      Available colors
      Editiorial reviews
      1
      1 editorial reviews
      Panasonic HC-VX870 Review: This camcorder brings 4K video further into the consumer camcorder mainstream.Read more
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      4
      4 editorial reviews
      The newly released replacement for the classic FDR-AX33 – the FDR-AX53 4K HD Camcorder will serve as an extension to Sony’s popular high-end 4K handycam lineup. This camcorder combines the latest of shooting technology while retaining only the best parts from its predecessor: a relatively compact design, strong internal hardware and the highest shooting resolution. The AX53 is a strong contender for this year’s top camcorder, due to a combination of high resolution output, plenty of portability options and an all-around extensive video shooting capacity. Individuals ranging from student film makers to full-time professionals could definitely make use of it.Read more
      The Sony AX53 is a 4K handycam designed for a wide range of users. Check out our detailed review and everything you need to know about the Sony AX53.Read more
      (Click for Reviews) The FDR-AX53 is Sony's newest compact 4K consumer camcorder. SmartReview previewed this model at CES in Las Vegas (see video below). This model shoots at 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) which is at 8 megapixels resolution verus only 2 megapixels for Full HD. In addition to shooting at 4 times the resolution of HD, this model has Sony's best Balanced Optical Steadyshot (BOSS) image stabilization. This camcorder, although a consumer model has many high end features, such as a premium Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T lens f2.0-3.8 (20x optical and 30x extended zoom). Shooting at this resolution will future proof your videos, as the industry moves toward 4K resolution in TVs. Footage in 4K can also be used for Full HD video production, as you can crop or zoom in on your footage and still maintain Full HD quality. Manual Control (Iris, Shutter, Exposure, and White Balance. External Microphone and Headphone Jacks, Infrared Night Vision and an EVF Viewfinder. Future proof your videos by going with 4K Ultra HD resolution. The FDR-AX53 has won our BEST of 2022 award for camcorders under $1000. ...More...Read more
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      User rating
      48
      4.0 out of 5
      48 user ratings
      5 stars
      		33 %
      4 stars
      		41 %
      3 stars
      		18 %
      2 stars
      		6 %
      1 stars
      		0 %
      98
      3.7 out of 5
      98 user ratings
      5 stars
      		30 %
      4 stars
      		25 %
      3 stars
      		27 %
      2 stars
      		15 %
      1 stars
      		1 %

      Full Comparison

      Units:

      Sensor

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Sensor typeMOS BSICMOS
      Optical sensor size1.0 in1.0 in
      Effective megapixels8.29 Mpx8.29 Mpx
      Total megapixels18.91 Mpx8.29 Mpx

      Image

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      White balance modes
      • Indoor
      • Sunny
      • Auto
      • Daylight
      • Cloudy
      • Outdoor
      • Indoor
      • Auto
      Image stabilizeryesyes
      Image stabilizer typeHybridOptical

      Optics and focus

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Optical zoom20.0 x20.0 x
      Digital zoom60.0 x250.0 x
      Focal length range (f-f) (Lens system)4.08 - 81.626.8 - 536
      Focus adjustmentAuto/ManualAuto/Manual
      Filter size1.93 in2.17 in

      Screen and viewfinder

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Built-in displayyesyes
      DisplayLCDLCD
      Display diagonal3.0 in3.0 in
      Touchscreenyesyes

      Photography features

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Camera shutter speed1.0 s1.0 s

      Videography features

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Maximum resolution1920 x 1080 px3840 x 2160 px
      HD typeFull HD4K Ultra HD
      Video formats supported
      • H.264
      • MPEG4
      • AVC
      • AVCHD
      • MP4
      • H.264
      • MP4
      • MPEG4

      Audio features

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Audio systemDolby Digital 2.0/5.1Dolby Digital 2.0/5.1
      Supported audio file formatsAAC
      • LC-AAC
      • MP4
      • PCM

      Design

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Colour of productBlackBlack

      Dimensions

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Height2.87 in3.17 in
      Width2.56 in2.87 in
      Depth5.47 in6.56 in
      Weight12.45 oz22.4 oz

      Storage

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Compatible memory cards
      • SD
      • SDHC
      • SDXC
      • MS PRO Duo
      • MS Pro-HG Duo
      • MS XC-HG Duo
      • SD
      • SDHC
      • SDXC
      Storage typesMemory cardMemory card

      Power

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      Battery technology
      Lithium-Ion
      		Lithium
      Battery voltage3.6 V6.8 V
      AC adapter includedyesyes

      Connectivity

      Panasonic HC-VX870Panasonic HC-VX870
      Sony FDR-AX53Sony FDR-AX53
      HDMIyesyes
      Wi-Fiyesyes

      Pros & Cons

      Pros
          Cons

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